Summer Snapdragon Plant Care

Summer Snapdragon (Angelonia angustifolia) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Angelonia genus. Summer Snapdragon is native to Mexico and West Indies. Summer Snapdragon is also known as Angel Flower.

Summer Snapdragon displays an upright, compact growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Summer Snapdragon produces small but plentiful, blooms in various colors (blue, white, pink, purple, etc.).

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Summer Snapdragon every 3–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Summer Snapdragon thrives in full sun.

Angelonia angustifolia tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Summer Snapdragon prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-drained soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Summer Snapdragon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Summer Snapdragon every 3 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-drained soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Summer Snapdragon is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Summer Snapdragon can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Summer Snapdragon while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Summer Snapdragon is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Summer Snapdragon can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds.

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Summer Snapdragon is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Summer Snapdragon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Summer Snapdragon is native to Mexico and West Indies. In cooler regions, grow Summer Snapdragon as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.